If you are involved in an auto accident, you should note the other driver’s appearance if you can.
Drunk driving is the cause of numerous car and truck accidents on Missouri highways. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are injured, and tens of thousands are killed in alcohol-related accidents nationwide.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner:This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner:Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner:We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer.
At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner:Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner:Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner:Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner:Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner:Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner:Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner:Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
Response from the owner:Thanks Tana. Appreciate this!
Not only do you need to ensure you are not on the road driving drunk, but you also need to be aware of your surroundings while driving to ensure that you are not the victim of a drunk driving accident caused by a DUI driver in another vehicle.
Car accidents caused by drivers making poor decisions endanger the lives of everyone, who is unfortunate enough to share the roads with them. While there is no sure way to protect yourself against a drunk driver, you can take practical measures like wearing your seatbelt and being aware of your surroundings while on the road.
The Dangers of Drinking and Driving: We Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable
According to the CDC, from 2003 to 2012, a total of 3,314 people were killed in Missouri because of a drunk driver. Approximately 40% of all driving fatalities are caused by drunk driving. These accidents could have been avoided. If you or a family member were unfortunate enough to be involved in a drunk driving accident, please retain an experienced lawyer immediately. The sooner an experienced drunk driving accident attorney gets involved, the better.
An experienced car accident attorney can work with a toxicology expert to gather evidence from police reports, the scene of the accident, and from witnesses. At The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C., in St. Louis, our car and truck accident attorney, Chris Hoffmann, can assist you in obtaining the compensation you need for present and future needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we only handle auto accident claims and are very good at our job. Drunk driving, whether it results in a car accident or a truck accident, is a tragedy that should have been avoided. Let us help you obtain the maximum compensation for your claim. While no amount of money will make things right, we can at least help you avoid further complications from your drunk driving accident.
Injuries Sustained in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are truly devastating. You can sustain serious injuries that affect you in the long term. Your injuries may require ongoing medical treatment, cause you to miss work, and can even be permanently disabling. But the truth of the matter is that any injury – even minor injuries – and any property damage due to drunk driving accidents are unacceptable.
Common injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents include:
Because drunk driving is against the law, it is necessary that the police are called to the scene. If drunk driving is suspected, police will administer a roadside sobriety test to determine whether the at-fault driver is inebriated.
The Penalties for Drunk Driving
Missouri law makes driving a car with a BAC of .08% or higher illegal. The penalties for this action depend on the severity of the offense, though in most cases, it involves a ticket the offender has to pay and other administrative punishments like license suspension.
The more serious the repercussions of your
actions are, the harsher the punishment. And, when the DUI also involves a
child present in the vehicle, you can also be charged with child endangerment.
In Missouri, a drunk driver can be charged with this offense either in the first or second degree:
First degree: a person commits the crime of endangering the child if they knowingly act in a manner that puts the child at risk.
Second degree: applicable if the person violates state traffic laws with a child passenger under 17.
Endangering a child in the first degree is considered a Class C Felony, and the second degree is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The courts will decide which of the two to charge the driver with based on the circumstance of the DUI, particularly in how much danger the child was. For instance, if they caused an accident where the child got hurt and was also driving under the influence, then the charge will be child endangerment in the first degree. If the child dies, it is a class A felony.
Fines or time served are not the only problems they can face in these situations. Driving under the influence potentially puts the child at great risk of getting injured or, even worse, killed. Missouri law states that parents or guardians are completely responsible for the child’s well-being, and any actions that threaten it are severely punished by law.
Moreover, there can also be an additional problem involving custody. If the drunk driver’s crime is severe, the courts may rule that you are unfit to take care of the child and either temporarily or permanently remove them as guardians. The child will then be placed under the care of a family member or, if that is not an option, under the care of the state or foster family.
Proving Alcohol Intoxication
If a drunk driver has hit you, you cannot recover compensation unless it is proven that the other driver was, in fact, intoxicated. One of the most obvious signs that a person is intoxicated is by how they look and act. If you are involved in an auto accident, you should take note of the other driver’s appearance if you are able.
The police report is likely the most important document in a DUI or DWI conviction. It generally contains enough information to justify the driver’s arrest and conviction. However, the testimony from eyewitnesses is still important. Additional evidence may be needed to prove that the driver was actually impaired at the time of the accident.
At times, the at-fault driver is not charged with driving under the influence or driving when intoxicated. In these situations, any evidence, such as observations of witnesses who saw stumbling, smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath or witnessed erratic driving, can be helpful.
Statement by At-Fault Driver
Statements made by the suspected at-fault driver should be written down or recorded. For example, a statement such as “I just had three cans of beer” can be used as evidence.
Field Sobriety Test
A field sobriety test is used to determine any impairment of normal faculties. The driver is usually asked to perform basic tests to establish their impairment level. The results of field sobriety tests are documented and recorded. The test can be used to establish that the driver was drunk at the time of the crash.
Blood or Breath Test
In most cases, a reporting officer will conduct the driver’s breath test. The test is the strongest evidence against a drunk driver and can prove that the driver had a higher BAC than permissible levels.
Police Reports
A police report documents an accident, the involved parties, and the police officer’s findings. It is also an indicator of what the police officer will testify to at the trial. A thorough police report is extremely important because the responding police officer can be a key witness in civil and criminal cases.
Eye Witness Statements
An eyewitness statement can help preserve what was witnessed at the time of the crash. A statement should be taken immediately after the accident, and any eyewitnesses should be asked to sign it. An eyewitness could be anyone who has firsthand knowledge of the accident, such as passengers, bystanders, or someone who witnessed the driver consuming alcohol.
Visual Recordings
Any recordings on someone’s cell phone or a police car’s video recording device can be used as evidence.
Steps You Can Take If You Plan on Drinking
If you plan on going out and drinking, you must understand how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Understanding these tips ahead of time could save lives.
Decide on a Designated Driver
If your group plans to drive to wherever you’ll be drinking, you should decide on somebody to be the designated driver (DD). If you don’t have a plan, the odds are that everyone may end up drinking, and you’ll be left in a dangerous situation. One crucial point is that you must ensure your driver does not succumb to drinking at some point in your outing. To do this, make your DD somebody who is very responsible, and if you see them drinking, speak up about it.
Take a Taxi or Ridesharing Service
One thing that can relieve the stress of having a DD is taking a taxi or ridesharing service. The cost is well worth your peace of mind, and you won’t have to worry about parking.
Give Your Keys to a Friend
If you drive somewhere with the intention of not drinking but then decide you want to, you might end up driving drunk later that night. To avoid this, you can give your keys to a trusted friend before you ever start drinking and tell them to keep your keys until tomorrow.
Keep Your Phone Charged
If you are too drunk to drive, you will likely want to call a friend, taxi, or rideshare service. Unfortunately, you cannot do this if you don’t have a functional phone. Ensure this doesn’t happen by fully charging your phone before you leave and not overusing it during your outing.
Have a Zero Tolerance Policy
Sometimes, people will think they can drive after just a few drinks. They believe their BAC is under the legal limit and will be safe. Then, they are surprised to get into an accident or receive a DUI. To avoid this, have a zero-tolerance policy. Don’t get behind the wheel even if you have only one or two drinks.
Speak With a St. Louis Drunk Driving Lawyer
It is best to consult with an experienced St. Louis drunk-driving lawyer. You will most likely have questions influenced by the specific circumstances of the accident you were involved in, and these should be directed to an experienced attorney. For example:
What if the drunk driver was driving without a license?
What happens if the at-fault driver goes to jail? Can you still collect the compensation for injuries and other damages related to the accident to which you are entitled?
The expenses that result from these accidents can add up quickly, and if you cannot work for a period of time while you are recovering, you and your family could depend on these monetary damages to get by financially. An experienced auto accident attorney can protect your legal rights and fight to get you the full compensation you are entitled to.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
